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Case 480C TLB

This is my latest old iron investment. Bought it last summer and put maybe 60 hours on it and it sat all winter til today , started right up , no smoke , seems to run real happy. I got a parts manual with it and got owners and service manuals soon after that. Her first owner was a municipality and she dug graves , the next owner bought it thru his mother who works in that small towns dpw. He had it about 5 years and then it passed to me. These don't seem to be a popular machine, like the 580 series, My question is I am wondering what parts may be common to the two? I need some side panels , etc and buckets of differant widths would be handy . I am mostly digging stumps and have thought I'd like to install a thumb , is it practical to do so? Any comments?

I have done some research and found that the 480C is the red haired stepchild of Case TLB's. Parts are pricey I need 8 new rollers for the back glass in my cab dealer only sells an upgrade package that is over$450. The 580C cab is the same .What have others done to replace these, has anyone a source for these wheels? Thanks Gary

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Case is VERY proud of their plastic parts for windows. I got socked over $10 for the plastic catches and another $4 for the springs for my back window in my 580K. You could maybe get them run off out of nylon or aluminum if you know a good machine shop.

I think Bill has the right idea, see if you can get new rollers machined by someone. A window repair shop may have a similar roller, some of these places have huge hardware assortments. Also check the huge McMaster-Carr catalog or their website.

I've heard little about the 480 models, but I do know that used parts are very hard to find. The drive train appears to be the same as the 580 and that's the heart of the machine. Most parts on the loader/ hoe attachments appear to be different, so if one needs an aftermarket cylinder tube or rod, these may be harder to find. If you find one of these in very good condition, I would certainly consider it. They are not meant for construction use, better at landscaping and lighter jobs. I have heard that the 1000lbs or so weight difference allows them to be trailered by a lighter class of vehicle.

I wouldn't put a thumb on it and take it easy digging stumps out, That is a hard job for any smaller machine. Treat it right and you will always be able to get your money back. I would put the value at $11-12K if it were here.

As far a resale, most seem to want a lighter machine than the 580C,D, or E for work around their property, and I think that has helped Kubota sales in a big way, as there is nothing in between. Phil

They are a little lighter but are still very capable. I spent 4 months on a 480 4x4 digging sewer hookups and was surprised how well it did. The biggest drawback was it was not ex-hoe and the deep ones were a pain to reach. Had to dig a bench to lower machine to reach deep enough. Did I mention it was winter and the town was built on a steep hill? Overall it was still a good machine.

Bill, I have to agree that they are light, especially the front end with 2WD. I had envisioned moveing snow with this 480 , but ya can't scrape and steer and the rear tire / fender clearance would make chaining up iffy. But I do like the machine well enough to fix the few problems it has and paint her . I am more than satisfied with both the driveline and hydraulic power that it has , and it is very manuverable,and doesn't tear up the ground like a 4x4 when turning. I havent posted a photo in a while , this is my 480 at work loading my shop built trailer with hoist that my 4150 Kubota tugs.

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Hint,hint! when the dirt is running over the sideboards it is full! LOL That looks like a good running gear under that thing for the load you have on it. You use what you have to get the job done. I do the same thing.

Yea, Its full. The gear is a walking beam from a scapped liquid manure spreader,the whole thing is overbuilt, empty it weighs 2550#, . Side boards could be a little taller , but if I'm pitchin firewood into it , they're high enuf!